USPCA respond to XL Bully Legislation in NI
On Tuesday 5th March 2024, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announced an extension of the XL Bully legistlation into Northern Ireland.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Today’s announcement has raised a number of questions and queries. Below are the key points that we know so far.
At a date yet to be confirmed, it will become illegal in Northern Ireland to:
- Sell an XL Bully dog
- Abandon an XL Bully dog
- Give away an XL Bully dog
- Breed an XL Bully dog
- Have an XL Bully dog in public without being on a lead and wearing a muzzle
- Own an XL Bully dog that has not been microchipped and licenced (already legal requirements)
XL Bully Owners will have to apply for an exemption and follow several rules which will include:
- Muzzling your dog and keeping them on a lead in public
- Neutering your dog
- Taking out third-party insurance against your dog injuring other people.
Our response:
The USPCA is as concerned as everyone else regarding the reports of vicious dog attacks and the injuries and fatalities we have seen. That is why we find today’s news disappointing and cannot support it. In the thirty years since Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) within the Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced, it has done nothing to reduce dog attacks. It will also mean that scarce resources will be stretched even further, with no impact.
Since the intention was announced to extend the legislation in England, Scotland and Wales, we have been calling for Northern Ireland to adopt an evidence-based approach that will lead the way in reducing these attacks.
The USPCA and indeed other animal welfare charities, recommend a wider programme of educating the public about these dogs and how to look after them. Promoting responsible pet ownership is crucial and helping people to understand what types of dogs are suitable for their lifestyle. We already have legislation at our disposal to be respond to irresponsible dog owners, that is what we should be focussing on, better enforcement.
We also need to place our focus on better dog breeding practices. Until we properly resource this work, we will never treat the root cause of this. Our top priority is public safety however BSL is not the answer.
We will continue to work with the Department to promote responsible pet ownership and tackle long-standing dog breeding issues that exacerbate the problems associated with dog attacks.
We are waiting further guidance regarding the timeframes for the introduction of these changes. As soon as we receive the relevant information, we will update this section.
